DocBauer

Disagree on Pohlad, with all due respect. I understand the opinion and where it originates from. But he's also the one who acknowledged said failure, fired Ryan, took some very bold steps to bring in the new FO, and seems to be giving them pretty much free reign for wholesale changes. (The status quo of Molitor notwithstanding, which could have happened anyway) My turkey of the year is Ryan. In the past, I often supported him, but also called him out...more and more the past couple of seasons...and I hate to pile on a good guy who lost his job, but he clearly set the Twins up to be where they are now. We can debate forever how prospects should be handled, and how quickly they should be good, and some of that was beyond Ryan's control. And we can question Molitor's usage of young players, lineups, etc, but a lot of that was within Ryan's realm of control as well. Not necessarily daily lineups, but he was the GM, the buck stops with him, and he seemed to lose a feel for his job and the pulse of the team. Just consider a few of the situations set up by Ryan: * The rushing of both Hicks and Buxton with no viable backup option. * The signing of Park...who himself is not to blame and may turn it around...when the team had other obvious needs and created log jams at 1B and DH and lead to the Sano in the OF mess. * Blame Sano, if you will, for not working hard enough in the OF and on his conditioning last season...and he is young and still maturing...but as the lead man in the organization, shouldn't you have a clue what is going on with your top young player? * Hughes getting hurt is NOT on Ryan, but why on earth extend him after the 2014 season with 2 more years on his contract? * Moving May to the pen in 2015 is debatable, but should have still been Pelfrey for all the obvious reasons. And maybe May would have been hurt a majority of the 2016 season even if he were in the rotation. We'll never know. But for a team starving for talented young starting pitching, we may have wasted an entire season of May's potential development by keeping him as a reliever last season. Why? Because... * The bullpen was a mess and the biggest area of need Ryan wanted to address coming in to the '16 season. And the only thing he did was sign Abad and keep May there? Just a few headscratchers that make Ryan my choice of Turkey of the year.

Castro as a LH hitter vs RH pitching: .247 career BA/ .328 OB%/ .424 SLG%/ .753 SLG%/ .310 BABIP I believe someone posted these earlier, but I wanted to look them up again myself and repost. I hate stating the obvious, but the majority of pitchers Castro or anyone will face are RH. I don't have a breakdown comparison vs league average...maybe someone else does or would take the time to look it up...but those are quality numbers any way you slice it for a catcher. Yes, his numbers are pretty awful against LH pitching, Butera like since he's been brought up, but not only is the catcher position still a defense first one, but his platoon partner, Murphy or Garver, each hit RH so difficiencies in this area can easily be mitigated by simply being half way intelligent with your platoon days. I am not overly informed on pitch framing, but have become more educated with the more I read, mostly right here at TD. And I dont put complete faith in today's advanced metrics because it's still a game actually played on the field, by human beings who still have to perform, and it's not a role playing game where you just roll dice and hope you hit your percentage mark. Nor do I believe for a second that stealing a couple strikes a game guarantees any sort of overwhelming game or season winning effect. But I do believe it does have an effect, especially WHEN that extra strike or two a game is called. Imagine runners in scoring position, or the bases full, and that really close pitch "stolen" leads to strike 2 or even a punch out to end an inning. What if the batter hits defensively with a 2 strike count and only hits a weak single scoring a single run instead of a double or HR? I still believe calling a good game, working well with a staff, and providing a nice, comfortable target for the pitcher is most important of all a catchers responsibilities. And I can't tell you how good Castro really is at these things at the end of the day. But surely framing pitches well, bringing experience and a new perspective to the team, the staff, and our young catchers, while still possessing a solid bat has to help a team that has really struggled the past few years. Castro is by no means a stud or savior. But he qualifies as an upgrade to me, a step in the right direction. And at worst, he provides a solid, veteran presence until someone else proves themselves worthy and ready to take over.

And that's part of what I'm asking and getting at. We have no idea, a few years from now, just how much someone like Berrios and Gonsalves and others could improve and who could emerge. (Nor does anyone, do they?) I don't pretend to be an expert on scouting or projecting. Whole lot of people smarter and more experienced than I am on these matters. I think the more good player, or pitcher, options you have available, the better chance you have to find that guy or two to really step forward. And I do agree that some teams have done better at finding this talent in the past. The Ray's and Cardinals come to mind. But I think the question is still valid, how many other teams have prospects that are "identified" as true top of the rotation starters. I ask this out of honest curiosity as a long time baseball fan who has seen many completly washout that were supposed to be virtual locks to be stud pitchers, and others who evolved in to all star talents. So should there truly be great angst that reports like this list the Twins with a number of solid but not top of the rotation arms? Or is that how most teams prospect lists look. I guess I'm just saying I don't know how many teams out there truly have virtual locks vs almost everyone just hoping to develop what they have to the best of their ability and see what happens.

I swear I posted earlier but I guess it didn't take. No matter. I like this move a ton. But I admit I'm shocked. I just didn't see it happening, or so quickly, and frankly, as rumors flew, I thought it would take more than $8M per. In my blueprint, I talked about Castro. I just honestly didn't think it would happen, so I quickly moved on to other ideas/options. Look, Castro is not a savior for the team as a whole, or the pitching staff as a unit. But a catcher who can call a game, throw decently, steal some strikes, etc, is a real quality get for this team. The fact that he bats LH and does well against RH pitching is a huge bonus. A catcher can't play every day. Murphy and Garver provide an interesting back up/platoon scenario that can work really well if the manager just approaches it logically. Now, another infielder when Dozier is traded, one bullpen piece, and a competent 4th OF piece and I'm really encouraged. First step done!

And that's kind of my point actually. Does anyone really check out other team's projections like this? Are there many milb arms that are rated as #1 or #2 types? I'm asking because it helps put things in perspective, yes? If the Twins have some guys listed as #3 types with at least some projectability, and so do most teams, then we'really pretty much in similar company. However, if there are quite a few teams that have young pitching prospects fully expected to be a quality or 2, then that makes me feel more nervous about our kids. I've seen guys that were supposed to be studs flame out, and I've seen solid guys who turned out to be high end 2's and even 1'Santana that weren't supposed to be. I understand projecting things like this an inexact science, to say the least. I'm just wondering how we stack up to most or all other teams when it comes to these kind of projections.

A question in regard to pitchers, especially starting pitchers, and I'm really curious if anyone has an answer. It's been my experience over the years that an ACE pitcher, a true #1 guy, is hardly ever just drafted. It's not that simple or easy. (There are some exceptions, of course) It seems more than you draft and develop pitchers...some wash out, some make it...but true top of the rotations are guys that learn and develop over time. When I read things like this about Twins rotation prospects, they are always #3 starters or solid 4's, etc. But really, how often does someone get "projected" as a true top of the rotation starter while still developing in the minors?

Patience is important, and no two prospects develop exactly the same. Which is part of the reason I get frustrated, and almost laugh at times, when I read things about how Buxton, Berrios, etc, should be moved or given up on already. The truth is, we as fans need a different kind of patience than was required the past few 90+ loss seasons. Before, we were impatient with injuries, poor trades or not making flip trades, poor to mediocre FA choices or no FA choices, etc, while eagerly awaiting the arrival of a wave of talented prospects. NOW, we have a new FO in place and we already here about some changes and expansions they want to make. But it won't all happen overnight. Further, with young talent in place, and more coming, this different form of patience must be exercised. At least now, it feels as though there is a new and hopefully forward moving plan taking shape.

What I think we just don't know for sure is whether the back issues were directly caused by his being in the pen. He was effective there in 2015. But he was also showing signs of turning in to a solid SP that year before the bullpen move. For a team so much in need for starters, and so many interesting bullpen arms close to contributing, how can you not let May do what he has always done before and start? He was a quality SP in the minors, which us why he was acquired in the first place. His BB went down in '15 and a partial season in the rotation isn't enough to make any final judgments.

I know there are those out there who dislike former Twins being involved with the organization, wanting a clean break from the former FO and the past few years of the "Twins Way" of doing things. But I, for one, have always liked and appreciated the presence and knowledge and experience of so many former Twins contributing in different capacities within the organization. And really, the players mentioned here, and others who are part of the organization in their various capacities, were top players and many bring knowledge and experience from other organizational time and experiences as well. I like this news.

OK, I feel very dumb at the moment. What leagues don't use the DH? I thought it was uniform.

1] DH in both leagues. Already done in college and the minors and half the majors. Adding more offense and protecting flailing pitchers at the plate seems to make too much sense. 2] An international draft. 3] Expansion of roster's to 26 or 27 players. Pitching is at, possibly/probably an all time premium and bullpen are being built differently and larger. It's almost getting difficult to build a bench as teams keep 13 man staffs at times.

Roving instructor would be my first guess. Has anyone asked how his arm feels? No such thing as a bad 1 year deal right? LOL

What a class act on his part. Going to miss him. I didn't want to see him go. I just think it was time to part ways. Here's hoping he finds a good situation for himself.

Sorry if I sound like too much of an optomist, but despite "graduation" to the ML level the past year or so of such top prospects like Sano, Rosario, Kepler, Polanco, Berrios, I'm very encouraged by who is coming up through the system. We still have a couple nice looking OF, headed by Granite and Palka. I would almost lay money Garver becomes a solid all around catcher. I'm excited by Gordon. Vielma could surprise with speed and defense if he can just muscle up a bit. Could Goodrum be evolving in to the all around versatile player we hoped D Santana old have been? There is a really nice group of RP right on the cusp. And most important of all, there are a number of very talented SP options getting very close. It only takes a couple to fulfill their potential to make a difference. Chief amongst them may be Gonsalves. Is he a #3 or a potential #1? It's impossible to say at this point. Who ever saw Johan Santana emerging in to what he became as a stashed rule 5 pick? Gonsalves is only 22 and seems to have a feel for pitching after dominating two leagues, at least. Tall and lanky, is it hard to project him not only learning and refining his pitches, but maybe adding a tick or two to his fastball? In the Twins system, recently, there have been more positional players closer and ready for the majors. The pitching has been a year or so behind. That doesn't mean there aren't some quality positional players coming up still, but I'm really excited about the number of good young arms we may/will see this year and next.

I get not protecting Turner. He still has some potential as a hitter...some power, doesn't completely stink as a hitter, makes some contact, reportedly works counts, etc...but even playing a premium position, I doubt another team drafts him or stashes him all season.

Not sure I have THE answer, but my answer would be two fold: 1* As Seth stated, you need guys on the roster you can delete via trades and FA signings, and you can't delete guys just added. 2* The Twins still need to field a competent team next season. Arguements could be made against keeping D Santana, but Boshers actually pitched pretty well when healthy, and O'Rourke has been solid when used right. Grossman has a useful bat. Of course, a month from now, this could all be a moot point anyway.

I know he has his flaws and there are obvious question marks about his future and fit with the young OF and even Granite and Polka, but doesn't this seem a bit sudden?

Always been a Plouffe fan and supporter. I liked him as a Twin. But for all involved it really was the right move. I wish him the very best.

I have to say, I like the Van Slyke addition in this deal. I've advocated a solid 4th OF for some time, and you're right Seth, he doesn't have to be a CF type. He needs to be someone who can hit LH pitching, and be good enough to start for stretches. I mentioned a few in my blueprint, but hadn't considered someone in a trade scenario like this. I like it. Still having a tough time on Vielma jumping straight from AA at this time.

In theory, this is all a very good idea. But IMO, I'm not sure it fits where the Twins are now as an organization. To sign an OF or SP in hopes of catching some lightening and making a flip sounds like a good idea. But you also have to play and start those players enough to build that value. Now it's impossible to predict how good some of the Twins young players will turn out to be ultimately, or even how good they will be in 2017, but do you really sit one of our talented OF or a rotation candidate like May or Berrios hoping for a successful flip candidate? Just not the direction I'd go, or think the Twins should go at this time. I'm more interested in a few solid guys to augment holes on the roster...quality 4th OF and another quality infielder with Dozier traded...who could be potentially smaller scale but solid flips. Similar to Abad this season. Where I DO like the idea is a closer, and Feliz is probably my first choice, and maybe a LHRP on the rebound, or a failed SP being converted.

Not a bad plan, and thank you for sharing it with us. I just can't get behind Ramos due to cost and the injury factor. I'm still on Castro if possible, but think a cheaper 1 year deal on a veteran, preferably one who hits LH to team with Murphy/Garver makes more sense. And the money savings helps with that solid 4th OF, and possibly a better SS/utility candidate. I keep reading opinions on Anderson and maybe catching lightning in a bottle. And it could happen. If it did, it would be nice if the Twins were the team who did so. But he's seemingly always hurt, and I think I'd rather just trust in Berrios. Perez was part of my plan and I like that move. Young enough to keep, valuable enough to also flip.

A solid blueprint Seth. Not much different than mine, but with a name change or two. I'd be fine with Castro, but a 4th year would shut that idea down, IMO, and I think he'll have multiple suitors. Not sure I buy Vielma at this point. I still think a FA or smaller trade for a SS/utility guy is in order here. I'm not in a hurry to trade Santana either, and have no problem starting the season with him. I also don't think Santiago is bad at all. I think he just got off on the wrong foot (arm?) with the Twins last season. But with an arm for Dozier, if not two, and May, Berrios and Gibson, I'm not sure it's necessary or prudent to keep both Santana and Santiago. And as someone else asked, where's Duffey?

Please baseball gods, please keep Romero healthy and let him be what it looks like he could potentially be. Amen.

The more I see, hear and read about Garver, the more I like and believe in him. I've been saying for a while now that I'm not sure the Twins best move wouldn't be to sign the very best AAAA level catcher they could find, preferably who hits LH, maybe someone either squeezed out elsewhere or has disappointed somewhat, and just roll with what we have. I'm not saying don't sign Castro, or that I wouldn't be happy to have him, or that he couldn't help the staff as well as impart knowledge and experience to Garver/Murphy. But would the team simply be better going the direction of youth? Or maybe a 1 year deal on someone like Avila? I understand his limitations, but he could provide knowledge and experience, some contact and OB, while working with Garver and or Murphy.

I've been watching Garver since he was drafted, along with Turner, but the more I see and read, how can you not be excited by him? He may not be the next Mauer, but how few are or ever will be? We may have a legitimate, quality 2 way catcher right on the precipice of making it to The Show. And I dont want to hear he's almost 26. Catcher is a premium position which sometimes takes longer to develop. There aren't that many early 20yo's like Mauer or Rodriguez that show up. He came from the college ranks and has made steady progress.